Parties look a lot different this year, but luckily there are still plenty of ways to celebrate birthdays during a pandemic. The safest way to party is virtually, which lets kids creatively celebrate in a fun way together. Many party options will provide guests with the party supplies needed, or make it extra special with pre-packaged cupcakes or cookies to be dropped off before, so your child’s friends can sing happy birthday together.
Kids who love art can customize a ceramic creation with Color Me Mine’s Virtual Birthday Party (Acrylic To-Go Package). Host a party perfect for budding artistes that includes three ceramic items, brushes, paint colors and an instruction sheet. Ceramics can be chosen by the host, and options include unicorn banks, rainbows and much more. Color Me Mine drops off the items, which you can then deliver to your guests. (Color Me Mine Ridgewood, 210 E. Ridgewood Ave., 201-445-4898)
Let loose, learn new moves and get out some energy with a Live Virtual Dance Party with Progressive Dance Studio. The 45-minute party includes a dance class led by a high-energy instructor who will bring virtual decorations and plenty of fun. The birthday girl or boy picks the dance style, from ballet to hip hop to jazz, and can customize the song selections to include the some fave tunes. (Progressive Dance Studio, 27 S Van Brunt St., Englewood, 201-894-1333 )
For a different type of party for a crafty kid, KraftyLab in Emerson is hosting virtual kids birthday parties. The best part? They take care of everything, which makes one less thing for parents to worry about. Party packages include shipping all materials, setting up the virtual party, plus an instructor that walks guests step by step through the creation process. Parties last about 1.5 to 2 hours, and options include a soap-making birthday and terrarium-making birthday. (KraftyLab, 14 Emerson Plaza W., Emerson, 201-477-2186)
HealthBarn USA is hosting Virtual Live Birthday Parties for kids with the baking bug who also want to get their hands dirty. HealthBarn USA founder Stacey Antine guides guests through step-by-step instructions for baking a dessert of the birthday kid’s choice. Guests are provided with the recipe (all of which use pantry staples) before the party. And there’s no downtime as Antine plays a trivia game with the kids while the food is in the oven. Mention “Bergen Mama” in the “heard about us” section to receive a 10% discount! (HealthBarn USA, 1057 Hillcrest Rd., Ridgewood, 201-444-2955)
Movie buffs may love hosting a virtual movie or TV night with friends through Teleparty (formerly known as Netflix party). Watch a movie or TV show of your choice with friends through Teleparty’s synchronous video playback. Plus, there’s a group chat option for Netflix, Disney, Hulu and HBO so you can live chat with friends while watching. Make the party complete by making pajamas the attire of choice and dropping off a snack pack at your guests’ house before with popcorn and candy.
Need a fun favor for your guests? Since there's no cake sharing for virtual parties, drop of an easy-bake cake for each guest before the party, which can be enjoyed at the end. These Personalized Magic Mug Cake Kit Party Bags are super simple for all ages to make and devour, and includes cake mix, sprinkles and cute dotted fork. Grab a mug from your cabinet and you're ready to sing a little Happy Birthday.
